Notice Number: NOT-PS-06-008

Key Dates
Release Date: April 7, 2006

Issued by
National Center for HIV, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHSTP/CDC), (http://www.cdc.gov/nchstp/od/nchstp.html)

On February 23, 2006, the National Centers for HIV, STD and TB Prevention, CDC, issued a Request for Applications, entitled RFA-PS-06-008, “Use of Respondent-Driven Sampling to Reach Bisexually-Active Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM)”.  This notice is to inform the scientific community:

1) Part II. Full Text of Announcement, Section V. Application Review Information, 2. Review and Selection Process, section entitled Approach:  the thirteenth sentence, “Does the applicant propose an adequate plan to retain at least 80% of the study sample across the three-month follow-up period that includes concerns specific to sub-groups of African American MSM?” should be deleted.  CDC does NOT anticipate three-month follow-up for this research.  The section entitled Approach, should read:   

Approach: Are the conceptual or clinical framework, design, methods, and analyses adequately developed, well integrated, well reasoned, and appropriate to the aims of the project? Does the applicant acknowledge potential problem areas and consider alternative tactics? Does the applicant understand the research objectives as evidenced by the quality of the proposed research plan and specific study design? Does the applicant’s research plan reflect an understanding of RDS and its application to the proposed project? How feasible is the plan to sample, recruit, and enroll study participants in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner? Does the applicant include a statement as to whether the plan for recruitment of study participants includes the process of establishing partnerships with communities and recognition of mutual benefits? Does the proposed plan provide for the recruitment of significant numbers of bisexually-active MSM for statistically meaningful comparisons to be made between African American and other MSM? Does the applicant include a statement as to whether the design of the study is adequate to measure differences when warranted? Does the proposed research plan include qualitative and quantitative measures to further enhance understanding of the targeted population and their prevention needs? Are the measures that will be used likely to yield new insights into the behaviors of bisexually-active men that will further HIV prevention efforts? How comprehensive is the plan to protect the rights and confidentiality of all participants? How adequate are the data collection procedures to reduce under-reporting of risky self-reported behaviors? How feasible are the plans to involve the study population in the development of research activities and to inform them of research results? How adequate are the procedures for referring study participants who test positive into care and prevention services? Does the applicant propose an adequate plan to retain at least 80% of the study sample across the three-month follow-up period that includes concerns specific to sub-groups of African American MSM? Does the applicant address substance use, mental health, and other co-morbidities that affect HIV risk as part of the proposed intervention activities and/or through the provision of referrals to local resources that address these needs?
   
2)  the authority for this program includes Section 301(a), 42 U.S.C. 241(a), as amended, of the Public Health Service Act.  Part I. Overview Information, Authority, is changed to the following:

Authority: This program is authorized under Section 301(a), 42 U.S.C. 241(a), of the Public Health Service Act, as amended, Section 317(k)(2) of the Public Health Service Act [42 U.S.C. Section 247b(k)(2)], as amended, and Section 318 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. Section 247c), as amended.

This notice applies to applications received for the April 20, 2006 receipt date.   

Inquiries

Direct questions about this change to:
Amy L. Sandul, Scientific Program Administrator
Extramural Research Program Office
National Center for HIV, STD and TB Prevention
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Mailstop E - 07
1600 Clifton Road,  NE
Atlanta, GA  30333
Telephone: (404) 639-6485
FAX: (404) 639-8600
Email: ASandul@cdc.gov